Individuals need to take care when they receive any communication from the IRS and ensure the communication is legitimate before sharing information, GudorfTaxGroup.com announces
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IRS hoaxes are on the rise and happen throughout the year, Gudorf Tax Group, LLC states. Individuals often assume any communication from the federal agency after tax season is over is legitimate but this is not necessarily the case. The problem has become so commonplace the IRS is now warning taxpayers to take care.
The communication may come in a range of forms. Unsolicited emails are one hoax that may men and women fall victim to. While the subject line may vary, certain phrases are commonly seen. This includes subject lines that contain the word ‘reminder’, such as a reminder to make estimated tax payments. As certain tax-related deadlines have yet to pass this year, a person might assume the communication is genuine. The criminals count on this and often increase activity in the hopes of catching someone off guard. When they do so, they steal the taxpayer’s money or hijack their computer.
The hoaxes appear at all times of the year, and taxpayers need to keep this in mind. Thieves don’t take a holiday, and the IRS doesn’t contact individuals via email to request sensitive personal information or remind the taxpayer of a possible refund. These emails should never be responded to, and the IRS can be alerted to monitor the issue.
Taxpayers likewise need to realize these emails may direct the user to an IRS.gov website or contain details only the IRS and the taxpayer should know. The information has been stolen from other sites in an attempt to get the taxpayer to let down their guard. Once a person does so, his or her computer is infected with malware.
Another sign the email may be fake is it contains a single-use password or one that is temporary. The password is given to supposedly allow the taxpayer access to his or her personal tax files. Use of the password, however, actually downloads a malicious file to the device being used.
Sadly, the IRS is finding it hard to counteract these hoaxes and shut them down. The compromised sites appear to be the official IRS site, which only serves to confuse taxpayers more. The IRS reminds taxpayers they always send a bill to the debtor before any other action is taken. Furthermore, the agency never demands immediate payment via gift cards.
Taxpayers aren’t the only ones who have fallen victim to these hoaxes. Some tax professionals struggle to distinguish between official correspondence and that sent by a hacker. As a result, the agency now recommends tax professionals be extremely vigilant and review their data security systems regularly.
More than 90 percent of data thefts begin with a phishing email. When the email is opened, the link directs the reader to a fake site. Others have the reader download an attachment that has malware embedded in it. Either method allows the criminal to obtain access to personal information that can then be used for nefarious purposes. As the emails leave the reader with a sense of urgency, the taxpayer may act before he or she thinks and come to regret doing so.
Anytime a taxpayer is contacted by the IRS, the agency should be contacted directly to provide sensitive information or to discuss the matter at hand. Men and women who take this extra step often find doing so saved them from becoming the victim of a scanner.
Another great place to turn in this situation is to a reputable tax professional, one who can help determine if the communication is legitimate or should be ignored. Consumers can find tax services here and have their questions to ensure they don’t fall victim to a hoax at any time throughout the year.
Contact Info:
Name: Ted Gudorf
Email: Send Email
Organization: Gudorf Tax Group, LLC
Website: https://www.gudorftaxgroup.com/
Source URL: https://marketersmedia.com/irs-hoaxes-are-on-the-rise-gudorf-tax-groups-llc-reports/88918374
Source: MarketersMEDIA
Release ID: 88918374
